HIMARS
A truck-mounted rocket launcher that shoots, moves and survives.
IMAGE · HIMARS · VIDEO IN PRODUCTION
ROLE
Wheeled launcher for precision rockets and missiles that fires and moves before return fire arrives.
STRENGTHS
- Fires GMLRS, ATACMS and PrSM
- Shoot-and-scoot mobility
- Can be moved by C-130 to island positions
WEAKNESSES
- Carries one pod, then must reload
- Missiles are costly and in limited supply
- Needs outside targeting for long shots
HIMARS carries one launch pod: six guided GMLRS rockets, two PrSM or a single ATACMS missile. It can fire, drive away and reload before counter-battery fire arrives, which made it famous in Ukraine.
In the Pacific, the Army is testing PrSM Increment 2 from HIMARS against moving ships, a way to threaten ships and landing forces from islands.